1) the "Virgin Mary" sighting in a grilled cheese sandwich (which sold on eBay for $28,000)

2) those psychological tests that identify personality traits based on what you see in an image (i.e., Rorschach inkblot test). So if you see Hitler in a kettle design, does that make you a fascist?

I think people overreacted. Yes, I can see where one might perceive a stealth Hitler, and I certainly understand why some are offended, but I doubt that was the manufacturer's intent. And given JCPenney's struggles, this is the last thing they needed.

Yossarian, in answer to #2... I think it makes them off their medication. It's a tea pot!!

And you are correct, it is the last thing JC Penny needs. I get very tired with all the stories about companies being forced to remove a harmless product because it offended someone. This will do nothing but fuel many more stories about how over reactive and hyper sensitive Americans have become.

Apparently some were also suspicious over a billboard of what JCP claims to be a "slow cooker" in Miami. It reminded some of the pressure cooker used in the Boston bombings, but again JCP claims it's a slow cooker. It's also designed by the same man who did the tea pot.

It is a slow cooker. Big difference.

Lard give me strength...

When I hear terms like "hipster" I think, who told cliques they could leave high school??

I just discussed this with some of my friends, who first and foremost see a tea pot, but if they squint hard enough they see Charlie Chaplin or Mr Bates from Downton Abbey coming to bring them tea.

The designer actually makes some very interesting kettles. I am in love with this one

The whistle on the end is too neat.

I am glad The ADL was pretty calm about the whole situation and stated they were sure no harm or connection was intended, and removing the billboard was enough. To me, it's too much, but still... Claims like this, and the reaction of LA's Mayor, mocks what the ADL stands for, imo. It makes it hard to take things seriously when you get in an uproar over a stainless steel tea pot with a cool touch handle, and reversed bell spout.

When I hear terms like "hipster" I think, who told cliques they could leave high school??

I think the resemblance is unmistakable and uncanny. Whether it was intentional, IDK.

It would be a really adorable product...if the likeness wasn't Hitler's. Betty Boop or Mickey Mouse. Maybe Rihanna? LOL.

Originally Posted by spiderlashes5000

That's the thing. I don't think the likeness of the teapot is Hitler, any more than it's Charlie Chaplin (or Rihanna). When you look at a photograph of the teapot, taken at a particular angle, you can see Hitler if you have him on your mind or someone tells you to look for it. I think it's ridiculous that this is a "thing" and that people are actually angry with JCP. It tells me:
1) Some people are just looking for stuff to be mad at.
2) It's been a slow news week.

I'm not saying that we can now joke about Hitler or the holocaust isn't horrifying. It's just that sometimes a cigar is just a cigar.

I can not like, but I wanted to say... Very well said Mrs. P! That's why I find it so ridiculous that the billboards were removed, and the designer has been contacted about his intentions. I am glad he has not responded. I would say "Get out if my face!" It's just a tea pot, and if asked to do it, anyone could look at it and see any number of things/people.

I think the resemblance is unmistakable and uncanny. Whether it was intentional, IDK.

It would be a really adorable product...if the likeness wasn't Hitler's. Betty Boop or Mickey Mouse. Maybe Rihanna? LOL.

Originally Posted by spiderlashes5000

That's the thing. I don't think the likeness of the teapot is Hitler, any more than it's Charlie Chaplin (or Rihanna). When you look at a photograph of the teapot, taken at a particular angle, you can see Hitler if you have him on your mind or someone tells you to look for it. I think it's ridiculous that this is a "thing" and that people are actually angry with JCP. It tells me:
1) Some people are just looking for stuff to be mad at.
2) It's been a slow news week.

I'm not saying that we can now joke about Hitler or the holocaust isn't horrifying. It's just that sometimes a cigar is just a cigar.

I have been showing my friends the teapot. they think its cute. When I ask them if it look like hitler, then then look for it. it doesnt look like hitler or even make a person think of hitler unless they have hitler on the brain. I dont think the avg person thinks of the vile creature enough to see him in teapots. I get a christian seeing jesus in a piece of toast because that's a big part of their lives. but imo for someone to radomly see hitler in the teapot is strange. Why hitler on your brain?

i also realized my teapot has a very similar handle. and of course a spout so i can pour out my water for tea. doesnt all teapots have a spout so you can pour out the water?

I think the resemblance is unmistakable and uncanny. Whether it was intentional, IDK.

It would be a really adorable product...if the likeness wasn't Hitler's. Betty Boop or Mickey Mouse. Maybe Rihanna? LOL.

Originally Posted by spiderlashes5000

That's the thing. I don't think the likeness of the teapot is Hitler, any more than it's Charlie Chaplin (or Rihanna). When you look at a photograph of the teapot, taken at a particular angle, you can see Hitler if you have him on your mind or someone tells you to look for it. I think it's ridiculous that this is a "thing" and that people are actually angry with JCP. It tells me:
1) Some people are just looking for stuff to be mad at.
2) It's been a slow news week.

I'm not saying that we can now joke about Hitler or the holocaust isn't horrifying. It's just that sometimes a cigar is just a cigar.

Originally Posted by mrspoppers

But the raised right hand is how we picture Hitler.

Originally Posted by spiderlashes5000

They should just flip the picture so the spout is on the other side. Problem solved!